Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s) are the building blocks for protein and muscle.

We can get them from the foods we eat (Meat, dairy, nuts, seeds) but they also come in supplement form which is a preferred and popular method of consumption for many people who are active.

Now, there are three branched-chain amino acids among the nine essential amino acids. These essential nutrients include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. And the name “Branched-chain” comes from its chemical structure… (1)

But, besides the exercise-related benefits of taking BCAAs; they are also used for the treatment of liver issues, anorexia, mania, and muscle preservation. (2)

However, let’s focus on the benefits you can get in the gym and during any intense exercise sessions like muscle growth, reduced fatigue, recovery, etc. And then we’ll get into the 7 BCAA products we think you’d really like and which are definite crowd favorites…

Popular BCAA Products for 2019…

Best Overall – Scivation Xtend BCAA Powder

An overall great product needs to have good quality ingredients at a good price point.

Scivation Xtend Bcaa

The powder is sugar and carbohydrate-free and has zero calories per serving. Xtend also contains 3.5 g leucine, 2.5g of L-glutamine, and electrolytes for hydration.

Studies show that leucine and glutamine increase the rate of recovery when co-ingested and this means you can build muscle and make gains that much quicker. (9)

But, if you don’t like artificial sweeteners like Sucralose and acesulfame potassium then you might want to look elsewhere.

Price: $20-24 for 30 servings

Best Price

Scivation Xtend BCAA Powder

Scivation Xtend BCAA Powder has 0 g of sugar, carbs, and calories. It helps you stay Hydrated Pre-, during, and post-workout. It has a variety of flavors.

Best Capsules – Natura BCAA Capsules

Mixing the powder and drinking a glass full of BCAAs isn’t appealing to everyone (Even if the taste is bearable).

Natura Bcaa

Natura offers a 2:1:1 ratio between L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine and the Natura caps are NSF and GMP certified while manufactured in an FDA registered facility. Plus, they offer a “365 Day “You Must Be Thrilled!” Guarantee”!

So, if you aren’t thrilled with these caps, you’ll get your money back or another product in exchange.

Ashwagandha is a powerhouse of a compound. It’s one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda (Traditional Indian medicine) and has a wide range of health benefits, from its antioxidant properties, to stress relief, and positive effects on mental health. (15)

These benefits have a big effect on weight loss by also reducing stressful cortisol hormones. (15)

Satiereal saffron has similar effects on weight loss and when paired with the Ashwagandha, well… you have some real fat loss ammunition. (16)

Amino Slim is also caffeine-free if this is something you look for in a BCAA supplement.

Raw Synergies Amino Slim Vegan BCAAs

Best All Natural – Gnarly BCAA Workout Supplement

Gnarly Nutrition Bcaa

Gnarly is a vegan, all-natural product which combines high quality, plant-derived, fermented BCAAs and there are no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. So, there’s nothing you don’t want in this BCAA supplement and everything you do!

There’s 5g of BCAAs in a serving, with a 2:1:1 ratio which provides a sufficient amount of healthy, effective ingredients.

But, for the person who loves all-natural, this product is an ideal choice.

Price: $37 for 30 servings

Best Price

Gnarly Nutrition BCAA

BCAAs Benefits

Speaking in terms that we fitness lovers can all understand… BCAAs are used to aid in muscle growth (protein synthesis), performance, exercise recovery, muscle wasting, and even exercise-induced fatigue.

Muscle growth/Protein Metabolism – There is evidence to support the positive effects of BCAAs for protein synthesis and decreasing the rate of protein degradation in resting muscle cells. (3)

But, leucine is especially important because it helps to coordinate protein synthesis, resulting in more muscle growth. And studies also show BCAA consumption after exercise to be beneficial as well. (4, 5)

Performance – Research has shown BCAA’s to have an anabolic effect during the recovery phase of endurance type exercise. (3)

But, a study on psychomotor performance concluded that BCAAs might also be a helpful aid during activities which require changes in intensity like sports for instance. (6)

Muscle Wasting – Taking BCAAs before and after exercise reduces muscle damage and this is a big benefit for people who play sports and exercise on a normal basis. (7)

Recovery – Although there is not sufficient evidence to support the role of BCAA’s in recovery from weight training, the protein synthesis and muscle wasting benefits lead us to believe they help with recovery.

Fatigue – BCAA intake has been shown to lower concentrations of fatigue substances like serotonin. This has a direct impact on exercise-induced fatigue, energy and muscle damage substances as well. (8)

Final Thoughts

A good BCAA supplement can improve your performance and health overall.

But, you don’t want just any supplement because quality does matter and you can rest assured we made our selections based on overall value.

So, make sure to choose a product which you think will best suit you and your budget because you absolutely can get results and not break the bank.

And these 7 BCAA supplements are a great place to start your BCAA journey if you’ve not started already…

Andy got a Master's in Exercise Science. He's a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He currently writes for many Fitness and Bodybuilding blogs, conducting live interviews with sports athletes and creating pre and post-event copy.

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This article is written by our well qualified writer(s) and fact checked for scientific evidence by our experts. The number in parentheses (1, 2, 3, etc.) are reference links to medically peer-reviewed studies.